An introduction to sound in the sea

This introductory talk will address why underwater acoustics are important, its uses, how sound propagates so far in the ocean, man-made sounds, including shipping noise, and the impact of noise in the ocean. A short overview of organizations working on the issue of underwater noise will be given including those around the Salish Sea where the conference is being held. The way sound is measured and analyzed will be shown with local examples of marine life, earthquake and anthropogenic noise. A short exercise to show the effects of acoustic masking will be given, followed by an explanation of echolocation use by the Southern Resident Killer Whales and the implications of acoustic masking on finding food for this local and endangered species.